Malicious Code Injection in preferred_mackerel_z3n: A Threat to npm Packages
Summary
MAL-2025-95975: Malicious code in preferred_mackerel_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
preferred_mackerel_z3n is an npm package that is part of the tea.xyz token reward campaign. This package is designed to facilitate the distribution of token rewards through various npm packages. However, it has been identified as containing malicious code that compromises its integrity and the security of the npm ecosystem.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in preferred_mackerel_z3n originates from its association with a malicious campaign that floods the npm registry with derivative packages. The malicious payload modifies the package.json file to remove private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names, leading to the pollution of the npm registry. This can result in developers unknowingly using compromised packages, which may lead to security breaches and loss of reputation.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall preferred_mackerel_z3nIf it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
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Workaround
As a temporary workaround, you can avoid using preferred_mackerel_z3n and look for alternative packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks. Always ensure to review the packages you are using for any known vulnerabilities.
Conclusion
The preferred_mackerel_z3n package poses a significant security risk due to its malicious code that alters package metadata and floods the npm registry. It is crucial to uninstall this package and monitor your project for vulnerabilities to maintain the integrity and security of your applications.
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FAQ
preferred_mackerel_z3n is an npm package involved in the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which has been identified to contain malicious code.
The vulnerability can lead to the inclusion of compromised packages in your project, potentially exposing your application to security risks and affecting its integrity.
You should uninstall the preferred_mackerel_z3n package immediately using 'npm uninstall preferred_mackerel_z3n' to mitigate any risks.
Yes, consider looking for other npm packages that provide similar functionality without the associated risks. Always verify the security of any package before use.
You can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts in real-time for open-source vulnerabilities in your software using just package-lock.json. You can also check if your application is affected by this vulnerability using the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner without any signup.
